Morris and Rita Pynoos
 Share
Nearly 40 years ago, when Morris and Rita Pynoos first established The Discovery Fund, it is unlikely that they envisioned the size to which their eye research fund would grow or the magnitude of the research it would make possible. Like so much the Pynoos’ did, however, the Discovery Fund, now known as the Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF), was a visionary project. As the project expanded the name was changed to the Discovery Eye Foundation.
Married for 61 years, the Pynooses worked as a collaborative team with their visions constantly becoming reality. A civil engineer by training, Mr. Pynoos, who died in 2002, was credited with designing the first prototype for the nail gun to help Howard Hughes make the Spruce Goose. He built the historic One Wilshire building that stands tall today over Los Angeles, and he created a glass walled art center to celebrate “60 Years of Living Architecture” next to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Barnsdall Park.
Mrs. Pynoos is an accomplished weaver and designer of unique acrylic furniture. Some of the furniture in the Pynoos’ home was created by Rita. For many years she has served as a Commissioner of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She was an ardent and vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and a longtime member of Women in Philanthropy.
When the Discovery Eye Foundation research labs moved to the University of California, Irvine they were renamed the "Morris S. Pynoos Eye Research Laboratories" in honor of Mr. Pynoos' support and commitment. Through the years, Rita Pynoos has been a steadfast supporter of DEF and its research efforts and patient advocacy programs. Currently, she and her son Jon serve as members of the DEF Board of Directors. |
|
|
|
|
